Cracked & Dry

The skin on the lips is especially sensitive. It becomes cracked & dried out very easily because there are fewer sebaceous glands in this area. However as part of the largest organ of our body, the skin on our lips is also one of the most sensitive. This skin is formed the same way as the rest of our body's skin, except that its outer, multilevel layer is very thin and not as well protected by a tough outer layer or by the secretions of oils. Also, lip skin has fewer cells, or the melanocytes, that produce the dark pigment called melanin. Less pigment means that the lips have only partial protection from UV rays and the dry hot air or the extreme cold air that can cause the skin to tear. So it is no wonder that many of us suffer from dry, chapped or cracked lips that are often accompanied by unsightly and bothersome fissures.

Besides the effects of environmental factors, cracked lips can also reveal a vitamin deficiency, such as too little B2. Vitamins, especially B-complex vitamins and beta-carotene as well as the mineral zinc are essential for your skin. They are considered very important to both cell metabolism and tissue structure; this is because they guarantee the skin's ability to regenerate and protect itself from infection. The vitamin biotin plays a significant role in cell growth and the body's ability to utilize other B-complex vitamins. Biotin is found in nuts, yeast, legumes and mushrooms.

If you are in the habit of frequently licking your lips, try to break that habit. This practice only serves to dry out the sensitive skin, not only is saliva very drying but it removes the natural oily film that is suppose to naturally coat your lips.

The fat content in olive oil and coca butter is very soothing but they are also high in B-vitamins which help to protect the skin.

So eating a balanced, vitamin-rich diet and drinking plenty of water can be your first line of defense, but add to that a lip balm with plenty of UV protection, especially at higher elevation. Avoid products that contain petroleum or simple waxes as they give no UV protection at all. Remember that a liquid will give longer lasting protection over a greasy or waxy lip screen.

Be sure to visit our store front at www.zhealthinfo.com for these and other health related products and information.

Basic but Important Breathing

Poor breathing or breathing from the chest rather than the abdomen can contribute to many diseases and disorders in the mind and body. Science has shown that many people, especially during the winter months do not breath deeply or correctly.

When we breathe in, oxygen passes through the lungs and is absorbed into the bloodstream, or at least this is the perfect way our bodies are designed to function. We then breathe carbon dioxide back into the air, but if our breathing is too shallow, the body does not eliminate enough carbon dioxide through the mucous membranes of the lungs. This then disrupts cellular respiration and cell metabolism and can be the cause of a decline in mental capacity because the brain does not get enough oxygen.

The primary causes of faulty breathing are anxiety or stress, poor posture can also be a contributing factor. Wearing clothing that is too tight can also be a cause of faulty breathing as well as some surgically procedures. All of these can leed to simple bad habits of shallow or inadequate breathing. Without proper breathing, our lymphatic system becomes sluggish and does not "fire" properly.

With breath therapy, you can relearn proper breathing techniques, wich will help to alleviate tension, increase metabolic rate, as well as relieve many asthma symptoms and insomnia complaints. Proper breathing will make a crucial contribution to the health of your immune system.

The goal of breath therapy is to promote a proper breathing form that is rhythmic and engages the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm. Shallow chest breating, in which only the rib cage rises and falls, should be reduced as much as possible. In addition, intentional yawning and stretching from the waist up gradually increase lung volume.

Many people can improve their breathing patterns on their own, but some may require assistance from a professional. A therapist who specializes in breath work stimulates the breathing process via the patient's conscious awareness. This targeted training concentrates on breathing depth and rhythm, and promotes the optimum distribution of abdominal and chest breathing with a focus on proper posture.

Laughter is a good exercise for the breathing muscles. When you laugh, the upward and downward movement of your diaphragm is particularly intense and massages your internal organs. It has been said that "laughter is the best medicine" and it might just be that this type of breathing exercise helps the lymphatics to drain more toxins easier.

Enzyme Therapy

Throughout the coming year lets take the time to explore many of the healing methods both ancient and new that are being used around the world by many natural health practitioners. One such method is called Enzyme Therapy!

Without enzymes, human beings cannot exist. These complex proteins are the catalysts that control almost all of the body's processes. They trigger all of the biochemical reactions and ensure that these processes occur in a timely manner. For instance, enzymes transform food into energy and the regulate blood clotting as well as the transmission of genetic material, they also are responsible for the functioning of the entire immune system. Each enzyme is specialized and target a specific function. So far, about 2,500 human enzymes have been identified.

Today, modern enzyme therapy relies primarily on preparations that contain protein splitting enzymes known as proteases, that are drawn from plant and animal sources. These are taken internally or applied externally for inflammations, infections and rheumatism and as a supplementary treatment to cancer therapies.

Eating enzyme rich fruits can be very therapeutic; these foods help the body replenish its own supply of enzymes. Today we know that figs, papayas, avocados and pineapples are rich in these enzymes, But even before people know the exact composition of these foods, they recognized their healing potential. An early medicinal use of the fig, for example, is recorded in the Bible; where the Prophet Isaiah suggested using a fig plaster as a natural remedy.

Enzymes can alleviate digestive disorders, boost the body's ability to battle infection and reduce unwanted immune reactions, as in the case of allergies. Enzymes may also be used for relieving autoimmune illnesses. Enzymes can serve as decongestants and pain relievers and in many cases they help speed the healing of wounds. They have been shown to support the therapeutic action of antibiotics and some chemotherapy and at the same time they improve the body's tolerance for many of these drugs.

Origanum Vulgare or Wonderful Oregano

Origanum Vulgare or commonly known as Oregano was first valued by ancient Egyptians, who used this perennial herb as both a preservative and a remedy for poison. Extremely useful as a remedy for coughs and asthma, research has confirmed oregano's use as an antibacterial and anti fungal treatment for all manner of respiratory ailments. This wonderful herb can also help to stimulate the appetite and has been found to be beneficial in alleviating tooth pain. Oregano has a spicy, almost minty flavor that makes it a very popular addition to the kitchen. It is seen on pizza, in pastas, soups and sauces from around the world.

The name Oregano is derived from the Greek words "oros ganos" which means "joy of the mountains' Wild varieties of this wonderful herb thrive in the mountains of Greece.

Oregano has a long history in folk medicine as a promoter of menstruation; therefore pregnant women should avoid medicinal concentrations applications such as essential oils or infusions.

Experiment making a tasty Oregano-Pepper Cheese as a special treat for your next get together.

Use 8-10 sprigs of fresh oregano
3 cloves of finely sliced, fresh garlic
2 red chilies or 1/4 teaspoon of dried chili flakes
8 oz mozzarella cut into small, bite size chunks
1 Tablespoons each green, pink and black whole peppercorns
1 teaspoons of small capers
2 cups of good olive oil

Rinse the oregano sprigs and dry well, strip the leaves from the stems and set aside.
Peel and finely slice each clove of garlic
Wearing gloves, rinse and slice into rings the chilies, removing the seeds.
Cut the mozzarella into small bite size chunks.

In a canning or screw top jar, start layering the ingredients until they are all used. Pour the olive oil over the layers until they are covered and then tightly close the jar. Be sure to leave some head room in the jar!
Marinate the mixture for at least 1 week. Serve with fresh rustic or Italian bread slices or crackers.

Homemade Oregano butter is a tasty variation as well. In a mixer, blend 1-2 bunches of oregano, 1-2 cloves of peeled garlic and 2 sticks of sweet, salted butter. Serve on bread or crackers. This is a great compliment to soups, salads and pasta dishes. It is healthy too!

The Mature Herb Gardens of Summer; Parsley

As our gardens are reaching the peak of their maturity lets take the time to discuss some of the wonderful herbs that might be gracing the garden with beautiful healing properties.

PARSLEY; supplies important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C & A and the amino acid, histidine which has been found to inhibit tumors, it is also an excellent source of potassium and folic acid. Parsley also contains calcium, manganese and iron. Parsley is a mild diuretic that purifies the blood and accelerates the excretion of toxins. It stimulates appetite and aids in digestion as well as metabolism. This wonderful herb can also ease bloating, stomach cramps and nausea. It has been found to relieve arthritis symptoms and when eaten regularly it can reduces heart rates and lower blood pressure. The medieval German Herbalist, Saint Hildegarde of Bingen prescribed parsley wine to improve blood circulation and help with many heart conditions. In folk medicine, parsley is recommended for women who have irregular menstrual periods and would help to ease the bloating that some women experience before their periods.

The wine was reportedly made by combining 10-12 large sprigs of parsley with 1 quart of red wine and 3 Tbsp of white wine vinegar. Bring mixture to a rolling boil and then add 6 ounces of raw honey. Strain the mixture and pour into a bottle. The ancient text said to ingest 1-2 Tbsp three times a day.

Parsley freezes well and will retain its fresh flavor and vitamins. Just wash, dry and chop the parsley leaves, then freeze them in a plastic container or zip-top plastic bag. You can then remove just the account you need for your recipes.

A wonderful summertime parsley spread can easily be made by coarsely chopping 2 bunches of parsley and adding 2 diced shallots together with 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 8 ounces of cream cheese and 2 Tbsp of fresh lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold in 2-4 fresh garden tomatoes that have been diced. An optional ingredient would be a small amount of finely diced jalapeno peppers to give it a little kick. This spread is great on everything from crackers and breads to celery and other vegetables of your choice.

Our next posting will cover the wonderful attributes of Oregano and will feature a recipe for Oregano Butter so check back in a few days.

The Basic Premise of Homeopathy

The basic premise of homeopathy is that the remedies work because they trigger the body's own healing abilities. Unlike antibiotics and other modern medicines designed simply to kill germs or to inhibit their growth, homeopathic remedies are able to alter the conditions that make the body susceptible to infection. Homeopaths believe that stresses to an individuals constitution, which include physical, emotional as well as mental sates, are what cause disease. The body's self regulating mechanism, or the body's vital force, signals when those stresses are too great. Our symptoms tell us how the body is coping and what it needs for balance.

Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, founded the art of homeopathy more than 200years ago. He concluded, after extensive research and personal study, that when any substance whether it is plant, animal or mineral is taken excessively, the body responds with certain symptoms. Even more significant what his discovery that when these substances are taken in a highly diluted form, they relieve the same symptoms they induce at high doses. "Like cures like"

Being able to understand a person's symptoms is the key factor to identifying the proper homeopathic remedy for a complaint. Successful treatment with homeopathic remedies depends on reestablishing the balance between physical, emotional and mental sates. A homeopath will pay great attention to all facets of a patients experiences, even facts that seem incidental. Homeopaths believe that an illness is not caused by the same factors in everyone who suffer from that illness. Different remedies are appropriate for each different sets of symptoms, and they strive to treat the whole person. Remember that this therapy places as much importance on a patients symptoms and will include location, intensity, as well as the conditions under which they occur.

The Prime Season For Hay Fever

Here are some quick and easy tips for avoiding or at the very least, taming the sniffles. The Ayurveda's healers of India recommend swabbing your nostrils every morning with raw, natural, cold pressed sesame oil. This will work to lubricate and clear your overworked sinuses. How simply is that? Sesame Oil is full of important vitamins that will actually help feed the body as well as balance it.

Another very beneficial trick for relieving the symptoms of hay fever is to fill a pot with the rind and white pith of lemons, grapefruits and oranges. Add a few tablespoons of raw honey and a tablespoon of either sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil. Heat to a boil and then turn the heat down to a simmer. Allow the mixture to simmer until the rinds are soft. Cool the mixture and then add 2 tablespoons of vodka to act as a preservative. Keep in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Eat a few pieces on the days when you are especially congested. The pith and the rinds will act as a natural antihistamine and decongestant without making you drowsy.

Check out our website for other great tips, as well as natural alternatives and products to assist you in a healthy and more natural lifestyle.
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The Sampson of the Vitamin Kingdom

The humble yet powerful vitamin C is sometimes over-rated and yet more often over-looked as a valuable and necessary part of every person’s life. The biological effect of vitamin C only lasts for about six hours and so we need to constantly be replenishing this essential vitamin. Most people know that inadequate body levels of vitamin C can cause scurvy causing bleeding under the skin, bruising, bleeding and swollen gums, anemia and general weakness and many people know that higher levels of vitamin C can help in the prevention of colds and flu as well as elevating the body’s ability to fight cancer. But very few people seem to understand that the body needs extra vitamin C to help accelerate the healing of wounds both accidental and surgical. Vitamin C will help detoxify from certain drugs and other harmful chemicals such as nitrites. Vitamin C helps in the formation of natural steroid hormones, it utilizes iron in the body and helps to regulate the metabolism of cholesterol. This fantastic vitamin helps to maintain normal brain activity for good mental health and memory functions. Most people know that stressful conditions over a period of time will create dangerous body reactions, but adequate levels of vitamin C will help the body deal with stressful conditions.
Keep in mind that smoking can severely deplete your vitamin C levels, as will the use of aspirin, antibiotics, cortisone drugs and oral contraceptives. Your diet and lifestyle can also affect your vitamin C body levels. It has been shown that individuals use up their body’s store of vitamin C much faster when confronted by disease or distress and the resulting lowered body levels of this vitamin seem to aggravate any existing illness or anxiety which will then cause a vicious cycle.
Many scientists question the adequacy of the recommended amounts for the average person because of increasing environmental issues which cause high levels of physical and mental stress. They feel that much larger doses are necessary to combat these issues. One symptom of doses that are too high would be extremely loose bowels, unexplained rashes, reoccurring headaches and possible insomnia.
What then is the function of vitamin C in the body? Just as red blood cells carry oxygen to the individual cells of the body, so vitamin C carries hydrogen which is a substance necessary for the proper burning of our foodstuffs and this vitamin is necessary for the health of our connective tissues, the substance which binds all the individual cells together, composes cartilages, veins, ligaments and so forth. If this substance is not in good repair, many disastrous consequences may result. Vitamin C also helps form collagen, which in turns strengths blood vessel walls.
The precious minerals such as calcium and phosphorus which our body needs for so many functions are stored in our bones until they are needed. If not enough vitamin C is present, the tissues of this storage place will not retain the minerals and they are then lost to us.
Finally, vitamin C is a powerful agent against the infections that constantly plague us. An individual who gets over and above his daily quota of this vitamin will not be subject to as many infections.
The recommended dosage for an average adult is 1,000 mg. daily the daily recommended dosage for a child is 60 to 100 mg. Essential Oils that are high in vitamin C or that help the body to absorb this powerful vitamin are those in the citrus families, as well as the rose family.

The Hidden Cavities

Deep in center of the facial bones which surround our eyes and nose are cavities called sinuses. These hidden cavities serve as resonance chambers for our voice; they also make our skull lighter. These cavities are surrounded by mucus membranes which help in part to protect these bony cavities, as well as to trap bacterial and viral infections and then reject these substances out through the lymphatic system. Unfortunately the sinuses can become irritated and even infected resulting in congestion and inflammation.
In Western society we refer to the body’s ability to fight off disease and infection as the immunity system. In Chinese medicine, the reference goes much deeper. The lungs and the colon are the organs corresponding to the element of metal, which is responsible for the functioning of the “we qui” or the defensive energy which protects the body from external invasion.
Having thus explained these systems in part let us follow through. The connection between the colon and the lungs is the lymphatic system, which under ordinary circumstances removes waste from the body tissues and drains it into the colon in the form of mucus. When the colon is congested, the result is a greater toxic burden in the body which in turns creates a less effective lymphatic drainage. As a result, more less waste is eliminated from the body via the mucus membranes of the respiratory tract, including the sinuses.
In the short term, this can result in sinus problems such as a runny nose, sneezing, post-nasal drip and coughs. As the problem becomes more chronic, the post-nasal drip can inflame the throat causing the common sore throats while the toxic laden lymphatic fluid can then irritate other tissues causing further inflammatory conditions like earaches, tonsillitis, bronchitis and even asthmatic symptoms.
Cleaning the colon through herbs, essential oils and homeopathies will create a long term cure but what about the shorter term “Band-Aid” relief for these symptoms?
Herbs with expectorant and decongestant actions can stimulate these tissues and help to break-up trapped mucus and expel it from the system more effectively. Fenugreek and Thyme are great herbs for the intense pressure that creates the sinus headaches. Steaming those sinuses with a strong infusion or tea will begin to relieve the pressure and cause the sinuses to begin to drain correctly but add a few drops of essential oil of birch to your mixture and you have an added fighter to the mix. If you don’t have the time for a good steam make yourself an inhaler with 2-3 drops of these herbs in essential oil form and breathe deeply.
Birch is the one oil that will penetrate through bone mass and because the sinus cavities are incased in bone this oil will penetrate into the bone, relaxing the surrounding membranes and thus helping the fenugreek and thyme to do their job more effectively.
Snuffing a very small amount of powdered bayberry into the sinuses will rapidly shrink nasal polyps and bring quick relief from constant sinus problems. If a bacterial or viral infection is present a very small amount of golden seal or Oregon grape root can be added to the snuff mixture.
Most people will turn to eucalyptus products to try and dry up excess mucus but many times the problem has been created because of dehydration so be careful in your evaluation of using eucalyptus because dehydration might be the catalyst already.
Remember that mucus is 90% water and so it is very important that the mucus membranes be properly hydrates so that they can produce a thin, watery secretion that is easily removed by the body. When we are in a state of even mild dehydration the body natural defense will try to retain every ounce of moisture possible and so the mucus secretions naturally get very thick. By encouraging the body with lots of healthy, clear fluids the secretions will again become thin and watery because the body realizes that there is no need for fluid retention.

Is Fungi Amoungi?

One of the most common, and persistent fungal infections around is Athlete's Foot -Tinea pedis. This is caused by the ringworm infections Trichophyton rubrum; Trichophyton interdigitale; or Epidermophyton floccosum.
Essential Oils that research has shown to be effective against the Trichophyton species include:
Citrus limonum - lemon; Cymbopogon citratus - lemongrass; Foeniculum vulgare - fennel; Lavandula angustifolia (officinalis) - lavender; Melaleuca alternifolia - tea tree; Melissa officinalis - melissa; Ocimum basilicum - basil; Ocimum gratissimum - wild basil; Pelagonium graveolens - geranium; Rosmarinus officinalis - rosemary; Thymus vulgaris - thyme; Vetiveria zizanioides - vetiver.

Essential Oils that research has shown to be effective against the Epidermophyton species include: Citrus limonum - lemon; Cymbopogon citratus - lemongrass; Foeniculum vulgare - fennel; Melaleuca alternifolia - tea tree; Mentha spicata - spearmint.

Armed with this information it makes sense that one would first try essential oils. However, one must keep in mind that because of the tenaciousness of fungal infections as a whole, one must be prepared to continue the treatment over a period of time in order to see results. A minimum of a month is generally recommended and sometimes depending on the strain and the severity it might take up to a year to affect a change.

Using antifungal essential oils while bathing or showering is especially important because fungal infections thrive and try to grow in warm, moist environments. All of the oils mentioned above can easily be added to Epson salts to combat fungal infections.

Pathogenic Fungi have a tendency to hibernate along the spinal cord and in the lymphatic system. The body can then hold them in a suspended state for long periods of time; hence the reason that these types of infections are so difficult to get rid of.

When the immune system becomes compromised from stress, fatigue or other factors, these pathogens can be released. Lymphatic drainage therapy can help remove dormant fungi.

Alkalizing the body will also make it easier for you to rid the body of disease of any kind.

Acidophilus cultures have also been shown to help combat fungus overgrowth in the gastrointestinal tract.

Pineal Gland & Fluoride

Many people hear the word melatonin and they are quick to associate it with thoughts of a good night’s sleep, but the majority of people do not understand that melatonin is a hormone which is produced by the pineal gland that does much more than help you sleep. Melatonin is responsible for influencing the onset of puberty; it also acts as a powerful antioxidant for the brain as well as other tissues and seems to play a major role in modulating the immune system.
So where does melatonin come from? The pineal gland, which is located deep in the center of the brain, is the gland that is responsible for the production of melatonin. The pineal gland controls the bio-rhythms of the body and works in harmony with the hypothalamus gland to direct the body’s thirst, hunger, sexual desire and biological clock. It is the job of the pineal gland to regulate the action of the pituitary gland, it prevents premature sexual awakening and inhibits the immediate discharging of thoughts into action. Thus we have the ability to think through our anger and other emotions rather than merely reacting to them.
On June 29, 2000, at the U.S. Senate Congressional Hearing on Arsenic, Radon, and Fluoride, held by the subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Water, J. Willam Hirzy, Ph.D. testified fluoride in public water supplies causes or contributes to the cause of cancer, genetic damage, intolerant reactions, chronic toxicity, dental fluorosis, bone pathology and neurological injury in humans, and that fluoride in public water supplies aggravates malnutrition, iodine deficiencies and other existing illnesses.
This is created because the human body has very little ability to effectively use and pass off accumulated levels of fluoride. So the question must then be asked, what happens to all of the fluoride that is accumulated?
Apparently fluoride builds up in the pineal gland calcifying it! Thus limiting or at the very least reducing the ability to create proper amounts of melatonin, regulate the actions of the pituitary gland and reduces are natural immunity to disease.
Along with all of these is the added chemical interference with our spiritual and emotional awareness! Fluoride calcifies the pineal gland and turns it into a rock, because of the calcification our sense of direction becomes impaired, our sleep is disturbed and we have increased trouble controlling our emotions and thoughts.
Next question, how do we help combat and change all of this? Eliminate all fluoride from the diet, especially hidden fluoride from water, medications and food additives then plan to spend at least 20 minutes of every day out of doors in the sunshine and fresh air. This will help stimulate the calcified pineal gland.

What Are Environmental Estrogens?

What is Environmental Estrogens?

Environmental estrogens are foreign compounds and/or chemical toxins that mimic the effects of estrogen. Also called xenoestrogens, these compounds are found primarily in herbicides and pesticides and have been found in industrial by products from the manufacturing of plastics, cleaning products and some paper products. If that isn’t enough to wake you up to the world in which you live, these xenoestrogens have now found their way into the common food chain and are used in the resin lining of canned foods in the form of Bisphenol A.

Environment estrogens often cause an imbalance of estrogen to progesterone levels. When a woman’s body has too much estrogen, a condition called estrogen dominance, a wide variety of complications will result including but not limit to breast cancer, fibroids, and endometriosis.

According to researchers, these estrogens also effect men and can contribute to testicular cancer, urinary tract disorders, and low or nonexistent sperm counts.

Evidence is accumulating that these chemical, even at very low concentrations and exposures, can, by disrupting the endocrine system, cause “hormone havoc” autoimmune diseases, clinical depression, genital and reproductive system defects such as infertility and long-term delayed developmental effects across the generations. The result is that it is no longer possible to “define a normal, unaltered human physiology,” according to Dr. Colborn.

Nutrients affect every hormonal interaction in the body, and adequate levels of them are clearly important in human reproduction. The standard American diet, which is high in processed foods and low in basic nutrients, is a setup for suboptimal nutrition at the time of conception.

Obviously it is prudent for everyone to lower their exposure to environmental estrogens as much as humanly possible. Eating organically raised food is one step you can take immediately to cut out the xenoestrogens laden pesticides you are ingesting with each meal. Even synthetic fluoride will create problems with fertility and the way that the body generates natural growth hormones.

Although clinical research has long documented the effects of fluoride toxicity on the reproduction in various animal species, a study performed at the National Center for Toxicological Research in Jefferson, Arkansas, has finally established a link between human infertility and fluoride levels in the local water supplies. The study, which used a U.S. database of drinking water systems to track fluoride levels across the country, showed that in every region which had greater fluoride concentrations in their water supplies, there was a corresponding decrease in the annual total fertility rate. Finding a source of fluoride free drinking water is one easy way to help begin to limit your intake of these types of chemicals.

Each year, an estimated 1,000 new synthetic chemicals enter the world market, swelling the planetary total to well over 100,000. All of these are completely foreign and potentially harmful to the endocrine function of our bodies and almost none have been thoroughly tested for long term, trans-generational health effects. How can they be, they’re new!

Studies have shown that taking vitamin C and zinc supplements have helped combat some of the effects. Other studies have shown the beneficial effects from folate and B12 supplementation, but remember that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” So when in doubt don’t partake!

Natural Need For Acid

A wonderful question to ask when talking about natural and alternative health is; "has nature proven it's self to be intelligent in taking care of business?" For instance let's talk about our digestive system and the natural hydrochloric acid that is produced by the body. You are not what you eat, more directly you are what you are able to absorb! Health care practitioners will tell you that even if you have the best dietary habits known to man you cannot sustain good health if hydrochloric acid or common stomach acid is missing. There is no way for your body to absorb vital nutrients from your foods if this essential part of your digestive system is destroyed by antacids, or if you were born with a genetic tendency to low stomach acid.

Nature did not put acid into our stomachs for the sole purpose of providing drug companies with the ability of earning billions of dollars every year by suppressing that stomach acid. Hydrochloric acid is absolutely necessary for good health. It is designed to reduce the toughest steak into broken down "meat soup" within about an hour. Now use your imagination to determine what would happen to that steak without the help of the acid to break it down? The meat must then begin to break down by rotting! Indigestion, bloating, "egg burps", burning, gas and belching must then begin in order to help move digestion along. The body is so busy trying to digest and break down the meat that it does not have the time or the ability to absorb many of the nutrients from it. If these scenarios happen often, warning symptoms of malnutrition and slow starvation begins to manifest. The resulting symptoms can be crumbling bones, degenerative diseases, anemia, acute and chronic infections which can be caused by germs that would easily be killed by normal stomach acid. When your stomach has normal acid levels it is able to kill invading micro organisms and can break down potentially dangerous food additives.l If, however, your stomach lacks this vital acid element, additives can turn into cancer causing nitrosamines.

Two prominent American doctors, Jonathan Wright, MD and Lane Lenard, PhD have written a superb book "Why Stomach Acid Is Good For You" which is highly recommended by alternative health care providers. If you think you may have acid indigestion and have been taking drugs to suppress it, the book outlines exactly what to do in order to heal your stomach from the damage anti-acids have done.

Many people are born with low stomach acid, or they develop it in childhood. Children should have an abundant supply of Hydrochloric Acid but children today are stuffed with an appalling amount of junk food, dangerous soy products and the worst kind of oils that their poor little bodies have to metabolize. Is it any wonder that increasing numbers of children have recurring infections of all kinds, miserable skin conditions and asthma? Doctors Wright and Lenard explain in their book how the children, who are brought to the Tacoma Clinic in Washington, get over some of these dreadful afflictions by improving their diets and supplementing their Hydrochloric Acid levels.

A simple supplementation to safely increase proper levels of Hydrochloric Acid is the use of apple cider vinegar. Using one tablespoon of the vinegar in a 6 ounce class of water before every meal can improve many of the symptoms that we have been talking about.

Did you know that low production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach is associated with hardening of the arteries, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure and even tendencies for obesity? Doctor Wright warns about this in his book "Repairing Your Heart and Arteries"

So to recap the situation, when you eat, if your Hydrochloric Acid is low, your stomach will hold food longer, and whatever acid is present will mix in with the food. your stomach will begin to churn, but because it doesn't have the acid, instead of emptying its contents into your small intestines, some of the food will then regurgitate into your esophagus. Then because your throat is not protected against acid with the same mucosa barrier as your stomach, your throat will begin to burn. If you treat this burning with anti-acids, the burning will stop but you will then perpetuate the problem into a never ending cycle.

Here is a warning to take seriously! Many anti-acids virtually eliminate acid in the stomach around the clock so that natural, necessary assimilation of food does not take place and you will then slowly starve to death.

" . . . . there is no doubt that acid suppression promotes bacterial overgrowth and that bacterial overgrowth promotes production of carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds. There is also no doubt that acid suppressing drugs increase the progression and severity of atrophic gastritis in people with such things as H. pylori Infections, and that atrophic gastritis is a major risk factor for gastric carcinoma." (Why Stomach Acid Is Good For You) Carcinoma means Cancer!

One last thing to consider before ingesting your anti-acid: "anti-acid drugs which so many people take frequently, are so dangerous that they would have been removed from the market if the drug cartels were not so strong. It has been known for decades that they deplete the bones of between 130 and 300 mg of calcium each time they are consumed. They contain aluminum which is also attributed to Alzheimer's Disease." This quote is according toe the professional journal, "Orthopedic Surgeon"

Real A-PEEL

The Slippery Banana Shows It's A-Peel!
A banana really is a natural remedy for many ills and deficiencies. You might want to ask, what about the apple a day theory however when you compare the slippery banana to an apple you will find that is has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five time the vitamin A and Iron, and twice the amount of many other vitamins and minerals. This perfectly packaged food is rich in potassium and for the price, it is one of the best food values around.

The incredible banana contains all three natural occurring sugars, namely sucrose, fructose and glucose which are combined with natural fiber. Bananas are the number one fruit amongst the world's leading athletes because a fresh banana will give you an instant, sustainable and substantial boost of energy in fact research has proven that just two medium sized bananas can provide enough energy for a strenuous ninety minute workout.

Take a moment and look through the ABC's of what a great banana is will to do for your over all health.

Anemia: Bananas are high in iron and can help to stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood.
Blood Pressure: Because this fruit is extremely high in potassium and yet low in salt, it is perfect to help bet blood pressure problems. Because of this, the United States Food and Drug Administration has finally allowed the banana industry to make official claims about the bananas ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure related diseases, including strokes.
Brain Power: Research has shown that potasssium is a key mineral in maintaining alertness and ood memory retention. Therefore the banana is a great candidate for the job; in fact 200 students in England were given bananas at least once a day to boost their brain power and they scored higher in their testing and overall performances than those who had not eaten the bananas.
Constipation: Everyone knows that good dietary fiber is needed for health, normal bowel action and because every banana comes packed with natural fiber, this slippery fruit keeps thing moving along.
Depression: Bananas contain natural tryptophan which is a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin; helping you to relax, improve your mood and and generally make you feel happier about things. In a recent survey people suffering from depression felt much better shortly after eating a banana or two.
Hangovers: The banana will help calm the stomach and when it is combined with honey in a milkshake form it will build up the depleted blood sugar levels. Adding the milk soothes and rehydrates your system. It is a very quick way of curing a hangover is the smooth and creamy banana milkshake. Bananas are a good source of B6 as well as many other B vitamins which nurishes and helps the nerves.
Heartburn: Banans have a natural antiacid effect in the body, so if you are suffering from heartburn; try eating a banana for sothing relief.
Morning Sickness: Eating light and frequently is one of the key elements in fighting morning sickness. Giving the stomach "something to do" can be a great help. Snacking on a banana between meals will help to keep the blood sugar levels up, give the body a great shot of B vitamins as well as potassium and clacium. Bananas help the nervous system to remain calm while soothing the digestive system.
Nerves: Bananas habe been found to be high in all of the B vitamins. B vitamins help to calm the nercous system and encourage proper conductivity between the cells.
Ulcers: Bananas are the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distressing the digestive system. They also neutralize over acidity and will reduce irritation by coating the lining of the stomach. Because of its soft tedture and over all smoothness, the banana is used by many dietitians as a tool for controlling intestinal disorders including diarrhea.

Research has shown that potassium is a vital mineral, this mineral helps to normalize the heartbeat and it helps to send oxygen tot he brain. Potassium also helps to regulate your body's water balance. When we are streessed out metabolic rate rises which in turn reduces our potassium levels. By eating a banana we can re balance the body's system on many levels.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Fats

In the past few years, fat has acquired a bad name. But the truth is, while some types of fats are unhealthy, certain types of fat are actually vital for good health. One group of these healthy fats is the essential fatty acids or EFAs. They are found in certain unprocessed vegetable and plant oils, as well as fish oils. A mother's milk is also one of the richest sources known. EFAs or essential fatty acids are nutritional substances and like vitamins and minerals they have a far reaching effect on many of the bod's processes.

It is important to note, or remember that EFAs cannot be manufactured by the body and so they must be consumed in the diet. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that at least three percent of an adult's daily caloric intake be comprised of essential fatty acids, and the diets of children and pregnant women should be at least five percent.

EFAs are essential to the normal functioning of all body tissues! There are several types of essential fatty acids however the two EFAs that are in the spotlight today are linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid. Once reason these EFAs are important to your health is that they help balance the body's production of important chemical substances called prostaglandins. Scientists know of the existence of about 20 different prostaglandins and some recent findings indicate that prostaglandins influence hormones and affect the body processes at the cellular level, they relax smooth muscles of the female reproductive system, they can affect relaxation and contraction of the intestinal tract, bronchi and cardiovascular system. They influence gastric secretions and proper kidney functions and they affect the overall health of the skin. Some scientists believe that the therapeutic potential of prostaglandins is even greater than that of steroids.

Evening Primrose Oil is a good source of both of these EFAs. The essential fatty acids found in the oil of the primrose seeds are the secret to the oil's health building properties. EFAs are known to play a vital role in overall health. Evening primrose oil is a key source of EFAs and it can play an important part in the healing of various disease and disorders, because it helps the body to maintain a balance of the prostaglandins that are necessary for optimal health. Daily doses of Evening Primrose can only be beneficial to the human body.

Rosemary for Remembrance

Unlike the beautiful, flaccid jellyfish we as humans have the unique ability to access memory and recall. Our brains have an almost infinite capacity, far beyond what we actually use. How many times have you wished that you could tap into your potential?

Rosemary. traditionally is considered the herb of remembrance and is currently an important herbal subject of antioxidant research. Rosemary contains more than a dozen antioxidant compounds, some in high concentrations. This is extremely helpful in dealing with Alzheimer;s disease, a degenerative process associated with devastating memory loss, personality changes, and loss of motor functions. Researchers have linked oxidative stress to this heartbreaking disease.

Essential oils of Rosemary is obtained from fresh leaves, stalks and flowers of the plant and is typically harvested from Spain, France, Yugoslavia, and Japan. The fragrance is clear, strong and stimulating and is easily absorbed through the skin. It stimulates the mind, body, adrenal glands and memory recall. Rosemary can be used to treat general weakness, mental fatigue, and sore muscles. Rosemary oil is helpful for all diseases that result from a reduction of the functions of the nervous system. It is a strong stimulant that will help clear the mind of confusion and doubt.

Rosemary is a wonderful oil to add to your morning shower or bath because it is both stimulating to the mind as well as the body, helping you to start your day out on a high note. Long known as a wonderful addition to food, Rosemary enhances everything from meat to vegetables. Remember that essential oil of Rosemary can be used in the same way as fresh or dried plant products when cooking.

The jury is still out on just how beneficial Rosemary is in actually enhancing memory, but its confirmed antioxidant activity suggests that this wonderful herb is great for over all health and well being.